Funding requests draw criticism

A list of projects Governor Doyle has asked for federal help on is drawing criticism from the state GOP.

The governor this week submitted a request for aid on several infrastructure projects to president-elect Barack Obama's transition team. The document includes about $3.7 billion dollars in construction and infrastructure projects that could be ready to begin next spring, if federal funding is provided.

However, the list is draw criticism because it includes nearly $500 million in funding requests for projects that have been rejected in public referendums, many of which are school building projects.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Mark Jefferson says those projects should not be the focus of a call for federal help. He says Jefferson says the governor needs to make his priorities reflect the wishes of voters, especially with Wisconsin facing a $5.4 billion shortfall that could result in many critical projects being delayed across the state.